Youth experience. Youth voice. Youth Empowered.

Vision: Our vision is that no child or youth feels alone, and those who are struggling with mental health or other challenges are connected to available support to improve their overall well-being. Mission: To increase the resiliency of youth facing challenges through leadership training, empowering them to share their personal stories in order to promote mental health and well-being, empathy, and hope in assemblies and workshops.

An Approved Program of

York Region District School Board York Catholic District School Board Toronto District School BoardToronto Catholic District School BoardSimcoe County District School Board

Please Note: If your School Board is not listed here, please inquire as we continue to seek approval from various school boards.

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Substance Abuse Statistics

Since 2003, prescription pain medications like Vicodin and OxyContin have been involved in more overdose deaths than heroin and cocaine combined.

– Drug Abuse Gov 2017

Mental Health Statistics

There is some evidence that Canadian youth may experience higher levels of emotional distress than youth in other countries. Canadian students were among the most likely to report feeling depressed for a week or more, with estimates ranging from a quarter to over one third, depending on age and gender.

– World Health Organization 2011

Bullying Statistic

Studies have found that those who feel more connected to their school and who perceive the climate to be trusting, fair and pleasant were less likely to be perpetrators in bullying and cyberbullying incidents.

– Public Safety Canada 2018

YouthSpeak Ambassador

Rich Clune, Forward for the Toronto Marlies

“I was introduced to YouthSpeak two years ago and coincidently joined them at an event right by a school where I grew up. The passion they have for their message related to mental health, anti-bullying and addiction is one that I firmly believe in. It is im...

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Our Testimonials

YouthSpeak contributes to the mental and social well-being of students who may be facing challenges by creating awareness that bullying, mental health and addiction impacts everyone in the community.

“Both presentations – Self-Care and Youth Mental Health were very powerful and engaging for the staff. Thank you so much for your insights and tips. Personally, I walked away feeling motivated to try some of the strategies that you went over!”

Sandy Kaskens, Principal, Dr. Norman Bethune CI, Toronto

“The most impactful part of the talk was having the real life experiences explained as some residents living in the building may be or have faced the same in the past. Key messages the audience and I took away from this was firstly “It’s ok to not be ok”; everyone experiences some type of rough situation in life but to know it can get better and that there are options available, and tons of resources available is very reassuring.”

Vivek Chohen, Resident Life Coordinator – Parkside, University of Toronto

“The committee wanted to express how skillfully your team met the goal of bringing youth voice to the workshop. The training and preparation of the youth speakers was apparent, their message was delivered in an honest way that also safeguarded the needs of the audience, and they were authentic about what was helpful and what wasn’t. They conveyed a sense of hope and the message that, while the journey may take time, connecting with supports can be helpful. Finally, we were left with a renewed sense that sometimes small gestures of kindness are not seen as small by the person receiving them.”

Youth Suicide Prevention Peel Steering Committee

Thank you for organizing yesterday’s incredible presentation. The message had a profound impact on the entire school body and the parents who attended the evening session were very happy they did so. Keep up the amazing work you are doing

Richard Walo, Principal, Blessed Sacrament Catholic School, Toronto

Things went so great with the assembly! Honestly, all the feedback was awesome and this was from students and teachers! Many students spoke about how they resonated with the speakers especially about school lives and stress and that the help app ideas are really innovative and great! It was real and just so amazing.

Yesterday was amazing! Sara’s and Robbie’s presentations were very powerful and certainly moved both staff and students. In a follow-up discussion, a small student group disclosed to me that they felt more empowered to share their feelings and talk to friends and family as a result of the assembly.

Sara McCormick, Department Head of Science, Mississauga Secondary School

This was a most beneficial talk! The personal experiences of the speakers was inspirational. All of us go through tough times, and we know students are going through tough times presently. To hear of the challenges faced by your speakers, and how they overcame the challenges by reaching out to others was such a powerful message. It helps the students feel less alone in their struggles and gives them hope that they can overcome their current situation and move past hurt. The message of reaching out and talking, and not keeping personal struggles hidden, was a message the students (and adults) need to hear over and over again.